William Otto Norris

His Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, September 9, 2010, 4 PM at 1st United Pentecostal Church of Leesville, La. Ministers will be Rev. Donnel Spurgeon, Rev. Bobby Stokes and Rev. Paul Eaves. Burial will be at Pine Island Cemetery, Leesville, La., under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Leesville, a dignity memorial provider. Visitation will begin on Tuesday, August 7, 2010 at 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM and Wednesday, August 8, 2010, 9 AM until 9 PM, both days at Hixson Funeral Home.

William is survived by his wife of 19 years, Rhonda Allen Norris of Georgetown, La;

sons, William Norris, Jr and wife Connie of Anacoco, La.; Timothy Scott Norris and wife Laura of Rosepine, La., Stuart Wesley Norris and wife Ashley of Simpson, La.; daughter, Jaclyn Allison Norris of Georgetown, La; father, Buddy Norris of Anacoco, La.; sisters, Alice O’Banion and husband Mike of Pickering, La.; Mamie Chouest and husband Tommy “Cowboy” of Pickering, La.; 10 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Eddlemon Norris and his grandparents, William Murphy and Mamie Eddlemon and Otto and Pearlie Mae Norris.

William was born in North Fork, Va. and grew up in Pickering, La. He attended Pickering High School and graduated in 1971. He then attended McNeese Sate University then received his 1st Masters Degree from NSU in 1982. He received his 2nd Masters Degree from Stephen F. Austin in 1990 and became a professor there. He coached basketball and baseball and won 5 state Championships in Texas and Louisiana. He served as principal at Pollok Central High School in Pollok, Tx. for 10 and principle for 5 years in Georgetown, La. William was a Mason with the Pickering Lodge 477, a 32 degree Shiner, member of the Georgetown United Pentecostal Church and a member of the Four Winds Cherokee Indian Tribe. He loved to laugh and keep things lively and was the life of the party. He nicknamed many kids that the names still pass on today. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations are made to the St. Jude’s Research Hospital. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfh.com.